Smoke Characterization Smoke Characterization from MODIS Imageryfrom MODIS Imagery

Buck SharptonBuck Sharpton

Kevin EngleKevin Engle

GINA/ION GINA/ION

University of Alaska FairbanksUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks

Buck SharptonBuck Sharpton

Kevin EngleKevin Engle

GINA/ION GINA/ION

University of Alaska FairbanksUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks

ION Node

• Focus on real-time Focus on real-time satellite reception – many satellite reception – many passes per daypasses per day

• Polar-orbiting satellitesPolar-orbiting satellites– NOAA AVHRRNOAA AVHRR– MODIS (Terra & Aqua)MODIS (Terra & Aqua)– SeaWiFS*SeaWiFS*– GLI (ADEOS II)GLI (ADEOS II)

• Basic and custom product Basic and custom product generation and generation and distribution distribution

• AmericaViewAmericaView

• Focus on real-time Focus on real-time satellite reception – many satellite reception – many passes per daypasses per day

• Polar-orbiting satellitesPolar-orbiting satellites– NOAA AVHRRNOAA AVHRR– MODIS (Terra & Aqua)MODIS (Terra & Aqua)– SeaWiFS*SeaWiFS*– GLI (ADEOS II)GLI (ADEOS II)

• Basic and custom product Basic and custom product generation and generation and distribution distribution

• AmericaViewAmericaView*Distributed by NASA/GSFC

Early Detection and Early Detection and Characterization of Boreal WildfiresCharacterization of Boreal Wildfires

Early Detection and Early Detection and Characterization of Boreal WildfiresCharacterization of Boreal Wildfires

• Operational:Operational:– Supply Fire Detection/Management Products Supply Fire Detection/Management Products

to Alaska Fire Service, Tanana Chiefsto Alaska Fire Service, Tanana Chiefs– Developing Smoke Characterization Developing Smoke Characterization

Products (Smoke Health Index)Products (Smoke Health Index)

• Research:Research:– Smoke properties (fuel, fire, environment)Smoke properties (fuel, fire, environment)– Carbon cycling Carbon cycling

• Operational:Operational:– Supply Fire Detection/Management Products Supply Fire Detection/Management Products

to Alaska Fire Service, Tanana Chiefsto Alaska Fire Service, Tanana Chiefs– Developing Smoke Characterization Developing Smoke Characterization

Products (Smoke Health Index)Products (Smoke Health Index)

• Research:Research:– Smoke properties (fuel, fire, environment)Smoke properties (fuel, fire, environment)– Carbon cycling Carbon cycling

Smoke Characterization: ApproachSmoke Characterization: ApproachSmoke Characterization: ApproachSmoke Characterization: Approach

• Refine & Extend MODIS AOT AlgorithmRefine & Extend MODIS AOT Algorithm– For use over bright, variable surfacesFor use over bright, variable surfaces– To estimate smoke density, smoke height, particle size To estimate smoke density, smoke height, particle size

distribution.distribution.

• Validate using field/laboratory instrumentsValidate using field/laboratory instruments• Generate Smoke-Health Index MapGenerate Smoke-Health Index Map

– Translate smoke concentration into health riskTranslate smoke concentration into health risk– Add information on particulates and associated gases Add information on particulates and associated gases

and aerosols of concernand aerosols of concern– Updateable and web-deliverableUpdateable and web-deliverable

• Refine & Extend MODIS AOT AlgorithmRefine & Extend MODIS AOT Algorithm– For use over bright, variable surfacesFor use over bright, variable surfaces– To estimate smoke density, smoke height, particle size To estimate smoke density, smoke height, particle size

distribution.distribution.

• Validate using field/laboratory instrumentsValidate using field/laboratory instruments• Generate Smoke-Health Index MapGenerate Smoke-Health Index Map

– Translate smoke concentration into health riskTranslate smoke concentration into health risk– Add information on particulates and associated gases Add information on particulates and associated gases

and aerosols of concernand aerosols of concern– Updateable and web-deliverableUpdateable and web-deliverable

Smoke Characterization: Smoke Characterization: AdvantagesAdvantages

Smoke Characterization: Smoke Characterization: AdvantagesAdvantages

• Real-Time MODIS, AVHRR, GLI receptionReal-Time MODIS, AVHRR, GLI reception– Up to 16 passes over station per day (Aqua, Terra)Up to 16 passes over station per day (Aqua, Terra)– Identical viewing geometry daily per instrument.Identical viewing geometry daily per instrument.

• An active fire season each yearAn active fire season each year• Partnerships with Fire Management AgenciesPartnerships with Fire Management Agencies• ExpertiseExpertise• Field sites and Laboratory EquipmentField sites and Laboratory Equipment

• Real-Time MODIS, AVHRR, GLI receptionReal-Time MODIS, AVHRR, GLI reception– Up to 16 passes over station per day (Aqua, Terra)Up to 16 passes over station per day (Aqua, Terra)– Identical viewing geometry daily per instrument.Identical viewing geometry daily per instrument.

• An active fire season each yearAn active fire season each year• Partnerships with Fire Management AgenciesPartnerships with Fire Management Agencies• ExpertiseExpertise• Field sites and Laboratory EquipmentField sites and Laboratory Equipment

MODIS Smoke SceneMODIS Smoke Scene

Clear Sky SceneClear Sky Scene

Band math (normalization)

Scene with surface Scene with surface reflectances removedreflectances removed

Aerosol reflectances mixed with surface reflectances

Surface reflectances only

Yields

Aerosol Optical Thickness

Health-Risk SceneHealth-Risk SceneBased on translation schema in wide use by Health Officials

Convert AOT to Smoke Density

Smoke Air Quality Index

Steps:Steps:• Test, refine MODIS AOTTest, refine MODIS AOT

• Field/laboratory measurementsField/laboratory measurements• Theoretical approachesTheoretical approaches• Convert AOT to Health RiskConvert AOT to Health Risk

• ValidateValidate• Field monitoringField monitoring• Client feedbackClient feedback

• DeliverDeliver• Updateable several times dailyUpdateable several times daily• Deliverable through InternetDeliverable through Internet• Graphical, flexible, usefulGraphical, flexible, useful

Smoke Air Quality Index